Scam reported in Cleveland County

The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office has issued an alert warning people about a scam taking place.

SNS

The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office wants to warn citizens of a scam that is targeting the county.

Earlier this week, a woman received a phone call from a man in Virginia claiming to be a relative. The caller explained that he was in jail and needed bail money.

Sometime later, the woman received a call from another individual who requested money to cover the relative’s legal expenses. The woman was able to verify that her relative was not in Virginia or jail.

Sheriff Joe Lester urges anyone who may receive a similar call to disconnect. If you believe you might be a victim of this scam, please notify law enforcement immediately.

“I don’t want any citizen to fall prey to this scam,” Lester said. “If you get one of these calls, please hang up and don’t send any money.”

Lester said should anyone suspect their relative is in jail, they may call the detention facility where an employee can look up the inmate’s name and status.

Additional information can be found on these web sites on how to avoid potential scams:

http://www.oag.state.ok.us/

http://www.usa.gov/topics/consumer/scams-fraud.shtml

http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams

Any questions regarding this press release and/or information can be addressed to Meghan McCormick, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, community liaison/public information officer. McCormick can be reached at (405) 701-8847.